Master in International Patient Advocacy Management
The International Patient Advocacy Management (IPAM) Master is a flagship postgraduate programme designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in patient advocacy.
The programme is jointly developed by the Patient Advocacy Lab (ALTEMS), the Graduate School of Psychology Agostino Gemelli (ASAG), the Faculty of Economics, and the Faculty of Medicine of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, in collaboration with the European Patients' Forum (EPF), EngageMinds Hub, and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS.
IPAM provides healthcare leaders, patient advocates and organisational managers with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed to lead patient organisations and drive meaningful patient involvement in healthcare, research and policy.
The programme awards 60 ECTS credits over one academic year through a combination of online learning and in-person teaching.
What you will learn
The curriculum has been redesigned around four core themes that form the IPAM framework:
- International
Understand the global and European health policy landscape, including EU legislation, international health governance and the role of patient organisations in shaping health policy across borders.
- Patient
Explore the science of patient engagement, health literacy, patient empowerment, diversity and inclusion, and meaningful patient involvement throughout research, innovation and healthcare.
- Advocacy
Develop practical skills to design and deliver effective advocacy strategies, communications campaigns and stakeholder engagement activities. The programme also covers digital health, artificial intelligence, access to medicines, evidence generation and public speaking.
- Management
Build the leadership and organisational skills needed to successfully manage a patient organisation, including governance, strategic planning, project management, fundraising, financial management, ethics and conflicts of interest.
Programme structure
The programme begins with two intensive foundation modules held in March 2027. These are followed by eight monthly modules running from May to December 2027, delivered on Fridays and Saturdays.
Most of the programme is taught online, with two in-person modules taking place at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to applicants holding a Master's degree (EQF Level 7) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field, including healthcare, medicine, pharmacy, humanities, sociology, economics, management, communications or marketing.
It is particularly suited to:
- Representatives of patient organisations and patient advocates
- Leaders and managers of healthcare institutions
- Professionals working in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors with responsibilities related to patient engagement
Previous experience in patient advocacy is an advantage but is not required.
The programme admits 30 participants, with 18 places reserved for representatives of patient organisations.
Admission process
Applications are open until 31 December 2026.
Admission consists of four steps:
- Submit your application through the online registration portal, including:
- Degree certificate (and Diploma Supplement for EU qualifications or certificate of equivalence for non-EU qualifications)
- Curriculum vitae
- Copy of a valid identification document
- Application review, during which the admissions committee verifies eligibility and academic requirements.
- Motivational interview to assess your motivation, knowledge of patient advocacy and English language proficiency.
- Enrolment, following confirmation of admission and payment of the first instalment.
Fees
The tuition fee for the programme is €6,000, payable in two instalments:
- €3,500 upon admission
- €2,500 by 30 June 2027
There is no fee to apply or attend the admission interview.
For full programme details, admission requirements and the online application form, visit the official IPAM website.